"On Feb. 15, the state police will have what is known as the 'opt-out' form available on their website for those permit holders who desire to keep their information confidential," Merola said. "This form allows the holder to request the county licensing authority to keep their information confidential, thus preventing the record from being made available to FOIL requests."

Merola said there will also be forms available at the clerk's office and through the website.

Those permit holders who wish to have these forms mailed or emailed may contact the clerk's office at pistoloptout@

The SAFE Act amends the former law that allowed individuals, organizations or any interested party to request the entire pistol permit database, including names and addresses of license holders, under the Freedom of Information Law.

Under the SAFE Act, current license holders have 120 days from Feb. 15, 2013, to file this form with state police.

"I still don't understand why an organization or individual needs such a list that has the potential to expose so many people to danger," Merola said. "That being said, we will work with our holders to provide them the forms and remind them to file these forms as soon as they can to ensure that their records remain confidential."